Difference between revisions of "Yahoo! Groups/Archiving Project FAQ for group members"

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==ArchiveTeam Yahoo Groups Archiving Project FAQ for members, mods, and owners of Yahoo Groups==
==ArchiveTeam FAQ for members, mods, and owners of Yahoo Groups==


We've received a variety of questions from Yahoo Groups members, mods, and owners about what ArchiveTeam is and what we are trying to do with Yahoo Groups archives. This is a list of answers to those questions. If there is something you still want to know, scroll down to the bottom for our contact information.
We've received a variety of questions from Yahoo Groups members, mods, and owners about what ArchiveTeam is and what we are trying to do with Yahoo Groups archives. This is a list of answers to those questions. If there is something you still want to know, our [[#I have more questions. Who can I talk to?|contact information]] is at the bottom.


'''Yahoo/Verizon has said they plan to permanently delete all Yahoo Groups files and message archives sometime after (but no earlier than) 11:59 PM PST (UTC-7) on January 31, 2020. We do not know how soon they will take action once the deadline is reached. It could be immediately or it could be delayed.''' We encourage people to make data requests ASAP to save anything not yet saved, and to continue to do so for as long as making requests remains possible. If you cannot file a data request or you get back incomplete data or just want to put pressure on their decision to shut things down, please contact Yahoo/Verizon every way possible and politely express your displeasure at their actions.
Yahoo/Verizon has said they plan to '''permanently delete all Yahoo Groups files and message archives''' sometime after (but no earlier than) '''11:59 PM PST (UTC-7) on January 31, 2020'''. We do not know how soon they will take action once the deadline is reached. It could be immediately or it could be delayed.


'''ArchiveTeam (https://www.archiveteam.org) is trying to save this data, as well as spread information about how you can save group messages and files yourself by filing a request via Yahoo's "GetMyData" (GMD) downloads process (https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/getmydata).'''
[[Who We Are|ArchiveTeam]] is trying to save this data, as well as spread information about [[#Can I create an archive of my group(s) without ArchiveTeam's help?|how you can save group messages and files yourself]] using Yahoo's [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/getmydata "GetMyData" (GMD)] request process.


'''Q.''' '''''Who are you? Where do you live? What is your address?'''''
We encourage people to make requests ASAP to save anything not yet saved, and to continue to do so for as long as making requests remains possible. If you cannot file a data request, or get back incomplete data, or just want to put pressure on their decision to shut things down, please contact Yahoo/Verizon and politely express your displeasure at their actions.


'''A.''' We are volunteers with ArchiveTeam. We have volunteers that hail from all across the United States, Europe, and Australia.
__TOC__


'''Q.''' '''''Who is ArchiveTeam? Is ArchiveTeam team legitimate?'''''
== ArchiveTeam and volunteers ==


'''A.''' ArchiveTeam is a loose band of volunteer archivists, programmers, and writers dedicated to saving our digital heritage. It has been a real thing since 2009. Our wiki has many pages where you can learn more about us (https://www.archiveteam.org/index.php?title=Who_We_Are) and also about some of our media coverage (https://www.archiveteam.org/index.php?title=In_The_Media).
=== Who are you? Where do you live? What is your address? ===


'''Q.''' '''''Why do you want to archive Yahoo Groups? What's the benefit?'''''
We are volunteers with ArchiveTeam. We have volunteers that hail from all across the United States, Europe, and Australia.


'''A.''' We value digital heritage, particularly user-generated content. Countless sites full of user-generated content have been lost over the years. We try to limit those losses; you can see some of the sites we've saved on our projects page (https://www.archiveteam.org/index.php?title=Projects).
=== Who is ArchiveTeam? Is ArchiveTeam legitimate? ===


'''Q.''' '''''What happens if I deny ArchiveTeam access to my group and prevent them from creating an archive of it?'''''
ArchiveTeam is a loose band of volunteer archivists, programmers, and writers dedicated to saving our digital heritage. It has been a real thing since 2009. This wiki has many pages where you can learn [[Who We Are|more about us]], including some of our [[In The Media|mainstream media coverage]].


'''A.''' The group data will likely be forever lost (unless someone else has taken steps to preserve the data)(we know of no other large scale preservation effort working on Yahoo Groups).
=== Why do you want to archive Yahoo Groups? What's the benefit? ===


'''Q.''' '''''Why aren't you sending emails from the archiveteam.org domain?'''''
We value digital heritage, and particularly user-generated content. Countless sites full of user-generated content have been lost over the years. We try to limit those losses; you can see some of the sites we've saved on our [[Projects]] page.


'''A.''' As a loose band of volunteers, we use a variety of email addresses. Basically whatever we have available.
=== Why aren't you sending emails from the [https://archiveteam.org archiveteam.org] domain? ===


'''Q.''' '''''If you are using a variety of email addresses, how can I tell whether or not the group join request I received is actually from an ArchiveTeam volunteer? '''''
As a loose band of volunteers, we use a variety of email addresses—whatever we have available.


'''A.''' Come visit us in our IRC channel (details elsewhere in this FAQ) and we'll figure it out.
=== How can I tell whether or not the group join request I received is actually from an ArchiveTeam volunteer? ===


'''Q.''' '''''Is ArchiveTeam part of the Internet Archive (https://www.archive.org)?'''''
Come visit us in our IRC channel (details [[#I have more questions. Who can I talk to?|below]]) and we'll figure it out.


'''A.''' No. It is separate. It does not take direction from Internet Archive. We do use the storage space the Internet Archive makes available for preserving digital heritage. Our archived data is submitted to the ArchiveTeam collection.
=== Is ArchiveTeam part of the [https://www.archive.org Internet Archive]? ===


'''Q.''' '''''Where is the ArchiveTeam collection at the Internet Archive?'''''
No. It is separate. It does not take direction from Internet Archive. We do use the storage space the Internet Archive makes available for preserving digital heritage. Our archived data is submitted to the ArchiveTeam collection.


'''A.''' https://archive.org/details/archiveteam
=== Where is the ArchiveTeam collection at the Internet Archive? ===


'''Q.''' '''''My group is no longer active, or it was for a very specific purpose, or has moved elsewhere (like to Groups.io, Facebook, Google Groups, a web forum, etc). Do you still want to archive it?'''''
[https://archive.org/details/archiveteam Right here].


'''A.''' Yes; inactive and/or niche groups are still part of our digital heritage. In addition, we know that some of the groups that moved platforms were unable to transfer some or all of their archives. We can help bridge that gap.
== Groups we want to archive ==


'''Q.''' '''''My group is restricted/private. Why are you trying to join it?'''''
=== My group is no longer active, or it was for a very specific purpose. Do you still want to archive it? ===


'''A.''' We are trying to reach out to as many groups as possible and we also know that some restricted/private groups were set that primarily as a way to control spam and not because of the content. We also believe that it should have been Verizon/Yahoo’s responsibility to notify all users about the changes and give them ways to easily save their data on a reasonable timeframe.
Yes! Inactive and/or niche groups are still part of our digital heritage.


'''Q.''' '''''My group is private, for very specific people only. Why do you want to join my group? Do you still want to archive it? Can I create an archive of my group(s) without ArchiveTeam's help?'''''
=== My group has moved elsewhere (like to Groups.io, Facebook, Google Groups, a web forum, etc). Do you still want to archive it? ===


'''A.''' We try to prevent data from being lost, since once it's gone it can’t be brought back. If you want us to archive your group, accept our join request and we will try to save it. See below for more information on what happens to the archived data. If you do not want us to archive your group, deny our join request and we won't (but we encourage you to do it for yourself and your members via Yahoo's data download request process at https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/getmydata ).
Yes! Historical context is important. In addition, we know that some of the groups that moved platforms were unable to transfer some or all of their archives; we can help bridge that gap.


'''Q.''' '''''When you say 'public archive', how public is 'public'? Where will the archived data go? How can we get access to the archived information?'''''
=== My group is restricted or private, for very specific people. Why are you trying to join it? Do you still want to archive it? ===


'''A.''' ArchiveTeam uploads archived data to the the ArchiveTeam collection at the Internet Archive. The Yahoo Groups data will be added to that collection. This is not available through the WayBack Machine, not indexed by web crawlers, and not deeply searchable. However, people looking for specific data will be able to find it.
Since data can't be brought back once it's gone, and since Yahoo/Verizon has failed to notify all users about the changes or give them options to save their data in a timely manner, we are trying to reach out to as many groups as possible. (In addition, we know that some groups were set to restricted or private primarily as a way to control spam and not because of the content.)


'''Q.''' '''''Can I create an archive of my group(s) without ArchiveTeam's help?'''''
We would still like to join and archive your group, if you're willing to give us permission.


'''A.''' Yes. Make a "GetMyData" (GMD) download request at https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/getmydata . In about a day (if the processing backlog is short), you will be notified that your data is ready for download. We have seen it take 10 days when the backlog is long. If you are members of many groups, you may see the data split up into multiple ZIP files of 2 GB each. The groups are randomly placed within the ZIP files.
== Archiving process and results ==


'''Q.''' '''''Can I share GMD downloads with ArchiveTeam? Do you want them?'''''
=== When you say 'public archive', how public is 'public'? Where will the archived data go? How can we get access? ===


'''A.''' Yes! You can upload your GMD files to a fileshare like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Mega.nz and send a link to archiveteamprivateyahoogroup@gmail.com, or (for technical users) rsync them to rsync://marked-rsync.ddns.net/ateam-airsync/yahoo-gmd/$USERNAME/ (-avz recommended).
The Yahoo Groups data will be added to [[https://archive.org/details/archiveteam the ArchiveTeam collection at the Internet Archive]]. This is not available through the WayBack Machine, not indexed by web crawlers, and not deeply searchable. However, people looking for specific data will be able to find it.


'''Q.''' '''''What data can you still save? I thought Yahoo disabled the web interface. What aspect(s) of our group do you wish to archive?'''''
=== Can I create an archive of my group(s) without ArchiveTeam's help? ===


'''A.''' Our experience so far is that message archives and files can still be saved via GMD requests, but that photos from the photo sections are lost (unless perhaps you personally uploaded those photos).
Yes. Make a "GetMyData" (GMD) download request [[https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/getmydata here]]. In about 1–10 days (depending on Yahoo's backlog) you will be notified that your data is ready for download, after which download links will be available on the GetMyData page.


'''Q.''' '''''Is this a free service?'''''
If you have a lot of data (perhaps because you are a member of many groups), you may see the data split up into multiple ZIP files of 2 GB each. The groups are randomly placed within the ZIP files.


'''A.''' Yes. ArchiveTeam is an all-volunteer effort.
=== Can I share GMD downloads with ArchiveTeam? Do you want them? ===


'''Q.''' '''''Who pays for the computing/transfer/storage resources you use?'''''
Yes!


'''A.''' Some resources are paid for by ArchiveTeam volunteers. ArchiveTeam depends heavily on the Internet Archive to host the archived data. We encourage donations to Internet Archive, if you would like to make a financial contribution somewhere. ArchiveTeam is not the Internet Archive.
You can upload your GMD files to a fileshare like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Mega.nz and [mailto:archiveteamprivateyahoogroup@gmail.com email us] a link.


'''Q.''' '''''Do you need group admin rights to create the archive?'''''
Technical users may wish instead to <code>rsync -avz *.zip rsync://marked-rsync.ddns.net/ateam-airsync/yahoo-gmd/$USERNAME/</code>.


'''A.''' No. We are using the "GetMydata" (GMD) download request process. This can be used by any member.
Some private groups have asked to send us their files and/or photos, but not message archives. This is fine with us.


'''Q.''' '''''Are you affiliated with Yahoo/Verizon? Are you Yahoo programmers/employees/contractors? Do you work for Yahoo?'''''
=== Do you need group admin rights to create the archive? ===


'''A.''' No. If we had the ability to stop the changes Yahoo has been making to groups, we would. Sadly, we have no such ability. We can only attempt to minimize the damage they are inflicting on our shared digital heritage.
No. The "GetMyData" (GMD) download request process can be used by any member.


'''Q.''' '''''Has anyone tried to tell Verizon/Yahoo to stop what they are doing to Yahoo Groups?'''''
=== What data can you still save? I thought Yahoo disabled the web interface. ===


'''A.''' Yes, for years actually. See https://modsandmembersblog.wordpress.com/ by Brenda Fowler of the Yahoo Groups Users Crusade
Our experience so far is that message archives and files can still be saved via GMD requests, but that photos from the photo sections are lost (unless perhaps you personally uploaded those photos).


'''Q.''' '''''Can Internet Archive host my live group/mailing list/etc.?'''''
=== What do I do if I want ArchiveTeam to archive my group? ===


'''A.''' No, the Internet Archive does not offer groups or mailing lists. It is a data-at-rest (data archival) facility, not a service provider. You may want to try Groups.io for something similar to traditional pre-Neo Yahoo Groups; it can import message archives (MBOXes) from GMD downloads if you have them (either through your own request or one of ArchiveTeam's).
Accept our join request and we'll do our best.


'''Q.''' '''''What are archives? You keep saying that word...'''''
=== What do I do if I do NOT want ArchiveTeam to archive my group? ===


'''A.''' Saved historical records. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archive
Deny our join request and we'll do nothing (but we encourage you to [[#Can I create an archive of my group(s) without ArchiveTeam's help?|archive the group for yourself and your members]]).


'''Q.''' '''''I have more questions. Who can I talk to?'''''
=== What happens if I deny ArchiveTeam access to my group? ===


'''A.''' The best way to reach someone at ArchiveTeam is via IRC. We have links on our homepage and below (for extended conversation with us we recommend a dedicated IRC client such as HexChat or mIRC). Please be patient if no one replies right away, as it may be a few hours before someone who knows the answer is online. :
We cannot create an archive of it. Unless you have (or someone else has) taken steps to preserve your files, message history, and other data, it will likely be lost forever.


* http://chat.efnet.org:9090/?channels=%23pythons-attack-y! (Yahoo Groups project, phase II; highest traffic)
== Corporate stuff ==
* http://chat.efnet.org:9090/?channels=%23yahoosucks (Yahoo Groups project, phase I)
* http://chat.efnet.org:9090/?channels=%23archiveteam-bs (General ArchiveTeam conversation, also used for some followup questions after a project wraps up)


=== Is this a free service? ===


Yes. ArchiveTeam is an all-volunteer effort.
=== Who pays for the computing/transfer/storage resources you use? ===
Some resources are paid for by ArchiveTeam volunteers. Most of our hosting is courtesy of the non-profit Internet Archive. Although we are not the Internet Archive, we encourage donations to them if you are so inclined.
=== Can the Internet Archive host my live group or mailing list? ===
No, sorry. The Internet Archive does not offer groups or mailing lists. It is an archival facility for data at rest, not a service provider. You may want to try [https://groups.io/ Groups.io] for something similar to traditional pre-Neo Yahoo Groups; it can import message archives (MBOXes) from GMD downloads if you have them (either through your own request or one of ArchiveTeam's).
=== Are you affiliated with Yahoo/Verizon? Do you work for them? ===
No. If we had the ability to stop the changes Yahoo has been making to groups, we would. Sadly, we cannot. We can only attempt to minimize the damage they are inflicting on our shared digital heritage.
=== Has anyone tried to tell Yahoo/Verizon to stop what they are doing to Yahoo Groups? ===
Yes. Pressure from [https://modsandmembersblog.wordpress.com/ Mods and Members]/the Yahoo Groups Users Crusade (which has been advocating for Yahoo Groups users since 2013) and the [https://www.transformativeworks.org/ Organization for Transformative Works] was partially successful, in that Yahoo agreed to extend the deadline for submitting "GetMyData" requests.
== Miscellaneous ==
=== What are archives? You keep saying that word... ===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archive Saved historical records.]
=== I have more questions. Who can I talk to? ===
The best way to reach someone at ArchiveTeam is via IRC. Here are some webchat links to appropriate channels:
* [http://chat.efnet.org:9090/?channels=%23pythons-attack-y! irc.efnet.org/#pythons-attack-y!] (Yahoo Groups project, phase II; highest traffic)
* [http://chat.efnet.org:9090/?channels=%23yahoosucks irc.efnet.org/#yahoosucks] (Yahoo Groups project, phase I)
* [http://chat.efnet.org:9090/?channels=%23archiveteam-bs irc.efnet.org/#archiveteam-bs] (General ArchiveTeam conversation, also used for some followup questions after a project wraps up)
Please be patient if no one replies right away, as it may be a few hours before someone who knows the answer is online.


Thank you!
Thank you!

Revision as of 21:29, 3 February 2020

ArchiveTeam FAQ for members, mods, and owners of Yahoo Groups

We've received a variety of questions from Yahoo Groups members, mods, and owners about what ArchiveTeam is and what we are trying to do with Yahoo Groups archives. This is a list of answers to those questions. If there is something you still want to know, our contact information is at the bottom.

Yahoo/Verizon has said they plan to permanently delete all Yahoo Groups files and message archives sometime after (but no earlier than) 11:59 PM PST (UTC-7) on January 31, 2020. We do not know how soon they will take action once the deadline is reached. It could be immediately or it could be delayed.

ArchiveTeam is trying to save this data, as well as spread information about how you can save group messages and files yourself using Yahoo's "GetMyData" (GMD) request process.

We encourage people to make requests ASAP to save anything not yet saved, and to continue to do so for as long as making requests remains possible. If you cannot file a data request, or get back incomplete data, or just want to put pressure on their decision to shut things down, please contact Yahoo/Verizon and politely express your displeasure at their actions.

ArchiveTeam and volunteers

Who are you? Where do you live? What is your address?

We are volunteers with ArchiveTeam. We have volunteers that hail from all across the United States, Europe, and Australia.

Who is ArchiveTeam? Is ArchiveTeam legitimate?

ArchiveTeam is a loose band of volunteer archivists, programmers, and writers dedicated to saving our digital heritage. It has been a real thing since 2009. This wiki has many pages where you can learn more about us, including some of our mainstream media coverage.

Why do you want to archive Yahoo Groups? What's the benefit?

We value digital heritage, and particularly user-generated content. Countless sites full of user-generated content have been lost over the years. We try to limit those losses; you can see some of the sites we've saved on our Projects page.

Why aren't you sending emails from the archiveteam.org domain?

As a loose band of volunteers, we use a variety of email addresses—whatever we have available.

How can I tell whether or not the group join request I received is actually from an ArchiveTeam volunteer?

Come visit us in our IRC channel (details below) and we'll figure it out.

Is ArchiveTeam part of the Internet Archive?

No. It is separate. It does not take direction from Internet Archive. We do use the storage space the Internet Archive makes available for preserving digital heritage. Our archived data is submitted to the ArchiveTeam collection.

Where is the ArchiveTeam collection at the Internet Archive?

Right here.

Groups we want to archive

My group is no longer active, or it was for a very specific purpose. Do you still want to archive it?

Yes! Inactive and/or niche groups are still part of our digital heritage.

My group has moved elsewhere (like to Groups.io, Facebook, Google Groups, a web forum, etc). Do you still want to archive it?

Yes! Historical context is important. In addition, we know that some of the groups that moved platforms were unable to transfer some or all of their archives; we can help bridge that gap.

My group is restricted or private, for very specific people. Why are you trying to join it? Do you still want to archive it?

Since data can't be brought back once it's gone, and since Yahoo/Verizon has failed to notify all users about the changes or give them options to save their data in a timely manner, we are trying to reach out to as many groups as possible. (In addition, we know that some groups were set to restricted or private primarily as a way to control spam and not because of the content.)

We would still like to join and archive your group, if you're willing to give us permission.

Archiving process and results

When you say 'public archive', how public is 'public'? Where will the archived data go? How can we get access?

The Yahoo Groups data will be added to [the ArchiveTeam collection at the Internet Archive]. This is not available through the WayBack Machine, not indexed by web crawlers, and not deeply searchable. However, people looking for specific data will be able to find it.

Can I create an archive of my group(s) without ArchiveTeam's help?

Yes. Make a "GetMyData" (GMD) download request [here]. In about 1–10 days (depending on Yahoo's backlog) you will be notified that your data is ready for download, after which download links will be available on the GetMyData page.

If you have a lot of data (perhaps because you are a member of many groups), you may see the data split up into multiple ZIP files of 2 GB each. The groups are randomly placed within the ZIP files.

Can I share GMD downloads with ArchiveTeam? Do you want them?

Yes!

You can upload your GMD files to a fileshare like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Mega.nz and email us a link.

Technical users may wish instead to rsync -avz *.zip rsync://marked-rsync.ddns.net/ateam-airsync/yahoo-gmd/$USERNAME/.

Some private groups have asked to send us their files and/or photos, but not message archives. This is fine with us.

Do you need group admin rights to create the archive?

No. The "GetMyData" (GMD) download request process can be used by any member.

What data can you still save? I thought Yahoo disabled the web interface.

Our experience so far is that message archives and files can still be saved via GMD requests, but that photos from the photo sections are lost (unless perhaps you personally uploaded those photos).

What do I do if I want ArchiveTeam to archive my group?

Accept our join request and we'll do our best.

What do I do if I do NOT want ArchiveTeam to archive my group?

Deny our join request and we'll do nothing (but we encourage you to archive the group for yourself and your members).

What happens if I deny ArchiveTeam access to my group?

We cannot create an archive of it. Unless you have (or someone else has) taken steps to preserve your files, message history, and other data, it will likely be lost forever.

Corporate stuff

Is this a free service?

Yes. ArchiveTeam is an all-volunteer effort.

Who pays for the computing/transfer/storage resources you use?

Some resources are paid for by ArchiveTeam volunteers. Most of our hosting is courtesy of the non-profit Internet Archive. Although we are not the Internet Archive, we encourage donations to them if you are so inclined.

Can the Internet Archive host my live group or mailing list?

No, sorry. The Internet Archive does not offer groups or mailing lists. It is an archival facility for data at rest, not a service provider. You may want to try Groups.io for something similar to traditional pre-Neo Yahoo Groups; it can import message archives (MBOXes) from GMD downloads if you have them (either through your own request or one of ArchiveTeam's).

Are you affiliated with Yahoo/Verizon? Do you work for them?

No. If we had the ability to stop the changes Yahoo has been making to groups, we would. Sadly, we cannot. We can only attempt to minimize the damage they are inflicting on our shared digital heritage.

Has anyone tried to tell Yahoo/Verizon to stop what they are doing to Yahoo Groups?

Yes. Pressure from Mods and Members/the Yahoo Groups Users Crusade (which has been advocating for Yahoo Groups users since 2013) and the Organization for Transformative Works was partially successful, in that Yahoo agreed to extend the deadline for submitting "GetMyData" requests.

Miscellaneous

What are archives? You keep saying that word...

Saved historical records.

I have more questions. Who can I talk to?

The best way to reach someone at ArchiveTeam is via IRC. Here are some webchat links to appropriate channels:

Please be patient if no one replies right away, as it may be a few hours before someone who knows the answer is online.

Thank you!